21 new schools are to replace closed or phased out schools in
the Bronx, which cater to very specific areas of interest and vocational
aspiration.
There are 12 district and 9 charter schools opening in the Bronx this fall, with each offering a different structure and specialty emphasis.
They offer a clean slate for incoming students with several schools in
the borough closing or phasing out. The degree of difference between
them is stark as they cater to very specific interests and career
aspirations. For example, three career and technical schools have closed
in the Bronx, and the gap is being filled by the new School for Tourism
and Hospitality opening on the Jane Addams campus. According to
principal David Martin, students will be able earn front desk supervisor
certifications from the American Hotel and Lodging Institute.
“After doing research, (my team and I) realized that tourism and hospitality salaries in the industry will increase by 16% by 2014, which is more than any other industry combined,” said Martin, a former teacher who holds an MBA in international business. “We will have incredible partnerships that really allow students not only to experience the industry deeply, but move them beyond high school to post-secondary learning.”
The schools don’t just target vocational careers; however, one of the
new schools allows its students to run an entertainment company.
Another district school is the Bronx Compass High School, which encourages students to run “BX Dragon Entertainment.”
According to its description, “Whether you are an aspiring entertainer or you plan to be a doctor someday, you will enjoy working with your classmates as a singer/director/DJ/photographer.”
If this seems at odds with the traditional subjects on which
education is focused, there are also two New Visions schools in the mix —
one for math and science and another for the humanities.
At least two more of the new schools will focus on high-needs
students. Children’s Aid College Prep Charter school in Morrisania will
be run by the Children’s Aid Society and cater to 300 kindergarten
through fifth grade students from households on welfare. Roads Charter
School II, also in Morrisania will serve students between the ages of 15
and 17 who are undercredited.
Corinne Lestch from Daily News reports that one of the new charters,
Tech International Charter School, uses the same building as a previous
charter school that failed after only eight months.
Co-founder Adjowah Scott said residents were concerned this school might fail as well, but partner Steve Bergen is confident.
“We’ve gotten much more community support in the last five months,” he said.
